101 Free Things to Do in London
Here is a detailed guide on 101 free things to do in London.
London, the vibrant capital of England, is a city that offers a wide range of activities for visitors, from world-class museums and galleries to historic landmarks and cultural events. And the best part? Many of these attractions are free! Here’s our comprehensive guide to 101 free things to do in London.
- Visit the British Museum (free)
The British Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums, housing over eight million objects from around the globe. Explore ancient civilizations, art, and artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and beyond - all for free!
Statistic: Over 6 million visitors per year
- Take a stroll through Hyde Park (free)
Hyde Park is one of London’s most famous green spaces, offering boating, cycling, and walking paths, as well as plenty of picnic spots and open grassy areas for relaxation.
Statistic: Over 10 million visitors per year
- Explore the Natural History Museum (free)
The Natural History Museum is home to over 80 million specimens, including dinosaur fossils, a giant squid, and the famous dippy the diplodocus skeleton. Don’t miss the interactive exhibits and educational programs for kids.
Statistic: Over 5 million visitors per year
- Admire street art in Shoreditch (free)
Shoreditch is a hub for urban art, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of this trendy neighborhood. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover the latest works by local and international artists.
Statistic: Over 100 street art murals in Shoreditch
- Visit the Sky Garden (free, with booking)
The Sky Garden is a free public garden on the 35th floor of the Walkie-Talkie building, offering panoramic views of the city and a tropical garden setting. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
Statistic: Over 100,000 visitors per year
- Attend a free outdoor concert or festival (free)
London hosts numerous free outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the year, from the Proms in the Park to the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. Check out our guide to this summer’s hottest free events.
Statistic: Over 1 million attendees per year
- Explore the hidden gems of Covent Garden (free)
Covent Garden is more than just a shopping destination - it’s also home to numerous street performers, independent boutiques, and quirky cafes waiting to be discovered. Take a wander through the historic district to uncover its hidden gems.
Statistic: Over 30 million visitors per year
- Visit the Chelsea Physic Garden (free, with donation)
The Chelsea Physic Garden is a 350-year-old botanical garden featuring over 20,000 plant species. Entrance is free, but a suggested donation of £10 helps support the garden’s educational programs and research initiatives.
Statistic: Over 250,000 visitors per year
- Take a walk along the South Bank (free)
The South Bank of the Thames is a vibrant cultural hub, offering stunning views of the river and iconic landmarks like the Shard and HMS Belfast. Take a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian walkway or stop at one of the many street food vendors for a bite to eat.
Statistic: Over 10 million visitors per year
- Visit the Grant Museum of Zoology (free)
The Grant Museum of Zoology is a quirky museum featuring over 68,000 preserved specimens, including extinct and endangered species like the quagga and the dodo. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to support the museum’s research and education programs.
Statistic: Over 15,000 visitors per year
- Discover the street art of Brick Lane (free)
Brick Lane is a hotspot for urban art, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of this trendy neighborhood. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover the latest works by local and international artists.
Statistic: Over 50 street art murals in Brick Lane
- Attend a free guided walk (free)
London offers numerous free guided walks, from historic tours of Westminster Abbey to literary strolls through the city’s famous bookstores. Check out our guide to the best free walking tours in London.
Statistic: Over 100,000 attendees per year
- Explore the Columbia Road Flower Market (free)
The Columbia Road Flower Market is a bustling Sunday market filled with independent traders selling everything from fresh flowers to vintage clothing. Take a stroll through the colorful stalls and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Statistic: Over 10,000 visitors per week
- Visit the Royal Observatory (free)
The Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park is home to the Prime Meridian, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Entrance is free, but booking a guided tour in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
Statistic: Over 100,000 visitors per year
- Take a boat ride on the Thames (free)
The Thames is the lifeblood of London, and a boat ride along the river offers stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Tower Bridge. Several free boat services operate along the Thames, including the Thames Clippers and the London Water Bus.
Statistic: Over 5 million passengers per year
- Visit the Horniman Museum and Gardens (free)
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a quirky museum featuring over 300,000 objects from around the world, including anthropological and natural history collections. Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated to support the museum’s education programs.
Statistic: Over 100,000 visitors per year
- Attend a free comedy night (free)
London is home to a thriving comedy scene, with numerous free comedy nights popping up around the city every week. Check out our guide to the best free comedy nights in London for some laugh-out-loud entertainment.
Statistic: Over 100,000 attendees per year
- Discover the street art of Camden (free)
Camden is a hotspot for urban art, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of this trendy neighborhood. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover the latest works by local and international artists.
Statistic: Over 50 street art murals in Camden
- Visit the Charles Dickens Museum (free)
The Charles Dickens Museum is the former home of the famous author, featuring original furniture, manuscripts, and personal belongings. Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated to support the museum’s preservation efforts.
Statistic: Over 10,000 visitors per year
- Take a stroll through Hampstead Heath (free)
Hampstead Heath is a vast green space in North London, offering panoramic views of the city and numerous walking trails through woodlands and wildflower meadows.
Statistic: Over 20 million visitors per year
- Visit the Jack the Ripper Museum (free)
The Jack the Ripper Museum is a quirky museum dedicated to the infamous serial killer, featuring original police documents and artifacts from the time period. Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated to support the museum’s research and education programs.
Statistic: Over 10,000 visitors per year
- Discover the street art of Shoreditch (free)
Shoreditch is a hotspot for urban art, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of this trendy neighborhood. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover the latest works by local and international artists.
Statistic: Over 50 street art murals in Shoreditch
- Attend a free outdoor concert (free)
London offers numerous free outdoor concerts during the summer months, from classical music in the parks to jazz and pop performances in the squares. Check out our guide to the best free outdoor concerts in London for some alfreshing entertainment.
Statistic: Over 100,000 attendees per year
- Explore the street art of Brick Lane (free)
Brick Lane is a hotspot for urban art, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of this trendy neighborhood. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover the latest works by local and international artists.
Statistic: Over 50 street art murals in Brick Lane
- Visit the British Museum (free)
The British Museum is one of London’s most iconic museums, featuring over 8 million objects from around the world, including ancient artifacts and cultural treasures. Entrance is free, but booking a guided tour in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
Statistic: Over 10 million visitors per year
- Take a stroll through Covent Garden (free)
Covent Garden is a historic square in the heart of London, featuring a bustling marketplace, street performers, and numerous cafes and restaurants. Take a stroll through the area to soak up the lively atmosphere.
Statistic: Over 10 million visitors per year
- Attend a free film screening (free)
London offers numerous free film screenings during the summer months, from classic movies in the parks to independent films in the cinemas. Check out our guide to the best free film screenings in London for some cult-film fun.
Statistic: Over 100,000 attendees per year
- Discover the street art of Shoreditch (free)
Shoreditch is a hotspot for urban art, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of this trendy neighborhood. Take a Self-guided walking tour to discover the latest works by local and international artists.
Statistic: Over 50 street art murals in Shoreditch
- Visit the Grant Museum of Zoology (free)
The Grant Museum of Zoology is a quirky museum featuring over 68,000 preserved specimens, including extinct and endangered species like the quagga and the dodo. Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated to support the museum’s research and education programs.
Statistic: Over 15,000 visitors per year
- Take a stroll through Highgate Cemetery (free)
Highgate Cemetery is a historic cemetery in North London, featuring numerous famous gravesites like Karl Marx and Douglas Adams. Take a stroll through the cemetery to explore the beautiful landscaping and notable tombstones.
Statistic: Over 10 million visitors per year
There you have it - 30 free things to do in London! Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or entertainment, there’s something on this list for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most iconic cities. Happy travels!